Understanding Formaldehyde Balance in Cells
Formaldehyde homeostasis and damage repair in a bacterial formaldehyde specialist
This project aims to understand how cells manage formaldehyde, a natural chemical linked to conditions like dementia and diabetes, by studying how bacteria handle it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Formaldehyde is a natural chemical found in all our cells, and while it's important for some body processes, too much can be harmful and is linked to diseases like dementia and diabetes. This research looks at how certain bacteria, which use formaldehyde in their growth, keep this chemical in balance to prevent damage. We will explore specific systems, EfgA and TtmR, that help these bacteria sense and respond to formaldehyde levels. By studying these fundamental mechanisms in bacteria, we hope to gain insights into how all cells, including human cells, maintain formaldehyde balance. This knowledge could eventually help us understand and address formaldehyde-related issues in human health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this knowledge could potentially benefit individuals with conditions like dementia or diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatments or direct clinical interventions will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide foundational insights into how formaldehyde levels are controlled, which might inform future strategies for treating diseases where formaldehyde plays a role.
How similar studies have performed: This project focuses on newly identified systems (EfgA and TtmR) in bacteria, representing a novel approach to understanding formaldehyde regulation.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bazurto, Jannell V. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bazurto, Jannell V.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.